FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention is generally related to linkage systems in automotive. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improvement in the three-point linkage system.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] The three -point 'linkage' system for agricultural tractors was developed to avoid an automobile, such as a tractor from overturning while pulling the towed implements from wrong hitch points. Overturning of tractors may also lead to operator deaths. The three- point ‘linkage’ hitch system is safety use of tractors, in addition to better efficient tractors and implements.

[003] By the late 1960’s, the three-point linkage system was listed under ISO standards and subsequently revised several times to refine it and to also include new segments of tractors viz. Higher HP, Narrow and Compact Tractors, Track tractors etc. Now, nearly all manufacturers have adopted standardized form of the modern three -point hitch system. The three -point hitch specifications became standardized in the tractor industry by American Society of Agriculture Engineers (ASAE S217) and, later, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 730-1).

[004] However, the standardized three-point linkage system may have some technical problems related to linkage parameters, for example, undefined relationships between certain parameters. Due to such undefined relationships, the standardized three-point linkage system may have technical flaws and limitations in its working, for example, certain three -point mounted implements viz Cultivators/ Rotary Tillers/ straight beam levelers etc. are unable to perform flawlessly, as it’s, far ends can dip on one end and rise up on the opposite far end. This may further lead to difficulty in steering, while implement is still engaged during turn.

[005] Turning radius may also tend to increase as a tractor is pulled opposite to turning. Engine may get overloaded and it may further drop the engine RPM, due to skidding effect on front wheels.

[006] Therefore, there is a need of an improved mechanism for improvements in three- point linkage system that can overcome the above listed shortcomings and improve the system overall.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[007] It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improvement in the standardized three -point linkage system.

[008] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an improved mechanism for linkage parameters that can improve the standardized three-point linkage system.

[009] It is an objective of the present invention to develop a safe three -point linkage system that avoid overturning of automobiles, e.g., a tractor.

[0010] It is an objective of the present invention to develop improved mechanism for linkage parameters that can make the turning radius easier and shorter for 3 -point implements. [0011] It is an objective of the present invention to also ensure a jump in machine productivity and quality.

[0012] It is another objective of the present invention to avoid skidding effect on front wheels.

[0013] To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more elaborate description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0014] An aspect of the present invention provides an improved mechanism for operation of the three -point linkage system in automobiles, comprising: an improved interconnecting structure which includes interconnection between two or more linkage components in the three-point linkage system, the two or more linkage components are connected with each other conforming to a defined relationship between one or more linkage parameters related to the one or more linkage components; wherein the improved interconnecting structure includes: a Left Hand (LH) Hydraulic Arm and a Right Hand (RH) Hydraulic Arm being connected to upper ends of a LH lift rod and a RH Lift Rod respectively to create a linkage parameter ‘A’ with a dimension ‘A’; the LH lift rod and the RH Lift Rod while connected, at their upper ends, to the LH Hydraulic Arm and the RH Hydraulic Arm, are further connected to a LH lower link and a RH lower link respectively, to create a linkage parameter ‘B’ with a dimension ‘B’; wherein the interconnection between the LH Hydraulic Arm and the RH Hydraulic Arm with the LH lift rod and RH Lift Rod and the LH lower link and the RH lower link is conforming to a defined relationship of the linkage parameter ‘A’ and the linkage parameter ‘B’, where ‘A’ is either equal to or greater than ‘B’; and wherein the improved interconnecting structure further includes: the LH lower link and the RH lower link are interconnected at their rear ends with the LH lift rod and the RH Lift Rod, such that distance between LH and RH rear ends of the LH lower link and the RH lower link, respectively, is conforming with the span width (‘C’), w.r.t. the 3-point standard CAT-I width (‘C’) of 683 mm (ISO standard), while maintaining a linkage parameter ‘D’, which is the center to center distance between front ends of the LH lower link and the RH lower link; wherein, the interconnection between the LH lower link and the RH lower link and the LH lift rod and the RH Lift Rod is conforming to a defined relationship of the linkage parameter ‘D’ being less than the linkage parameter ‘C’, the relationship between ‘C’ & ‘D’ improving smooth turning of an implement installed in the improved interconnecting structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] For a better understanding of the embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, references will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements/components throughout and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary automobile, e.g., a tractor, that may implement the standardized three -point linkage system; [0017] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary automobile, e.g., a tractor, that may implement the improved mechanism of the standardized three -point linkage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Presently the ISO standardized three-point linkage system specifies only dimension ‘C’ as span width w.r.t. category of 3-point system;

[0018] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary automobile, e.g., a tractor, that may implement the improved mechanism of the standardized three-point linkage system and FIG. 4 shows a line diagram of the FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary automobile, e.g., tractor with current manufacturing specifications, and to be converted into the improved structure, as explained in FIGs. 2-4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0020] This patent describes the subject matter for patenting with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The principles described herein may be embodied in many different forms.

[0021] Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0022] The present invention provides an improved mechanism for the standardized three - point linkage system. The improved mechanism includes an improved structure which is an interconnection between two or more linkage components in the three-point linkage system, the two or more linkage components are connected with each other conforming to a defined relationship between one or more linkage parameters related to the one or more linkage components.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary automobile, e.g., a tractor, that may implement the standardized three -point linkage system 100.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 , the one or more linkage components may include and are not limited to left hand (abbreviated hereinafter as LH) and right hand (abbreviated hereinafter as RH) Hydraulic Arms, LH and RH Lift Rods, LH and RH lower links, and the like.

[0025] The one or more linkage parameters may include and are not limited to “Centre-to- Centre distance between LH and RH Hydraulic Arm ends proximal to Lift Rods upper end joints”, which may be referenced hereinafter with numeral “A”; “Centre to Centre distance between LH & RH Lift Rod lower ends, when fixed with lower links”, which may be referenced hereinafter with numeral “B”; “Span width between LH & RH rear end of lower links w.r.t. 3-point standard CAT-I width”, which may be referenced hereinafter with numeral “C”; “Centre Distance between LH & RH Lower Links Front ends”, which may be referenced hereinafter with numeral “D”, and other linkage parameters. In an embodiment, dimension of linkage parameter ‘B’ is to be measured by fixing standard span ‘C’ dimension, and based on the standardized three-point linkage system, ‘C’ is 683 mm.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary automobile, e.g., a tractor, that may implement the improved mechanism of the standardized three -point linkage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Presently the ISO standardized three-point linkage system specifies only dimension ‘C’ as span width w.r.t. category of 3-point system.

[0027] The improved mechanism includes an improved structure which is an interconnection between two or more linkage components in the three -point linkage system, the two or more linkage components are connected with each other conforming to a defined relationship between one or more linkage parameters related to the one or more linkage components. The interconnections between the two or more linkage components in the present invention create an important and improved effect in the three -point linkage system. For example, if we individually take the linkage parameters, ‘A’ and ‘B’ in the three-point linkage system, if ‘A’ is fixed, and ‘B’ swings, ends of ‘B’ when pushed LH or RH will follow a circumference of its individual circle. Therefore, one end will rise UP and opposite end will DIP. This example shows that there is a relationship between ‘A’ and ‘B’.

[0028] The improved structure in the present invention exploits this relationship in order to improve the three-point linkage system used in three-point hitching of the automobiles, e.g., a tractor. [0029] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the improved structure 200 includes the interconnection of the linkage components left hand Hydraulic Arm 102 and right-hand Hydraulic Arm 104, LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108, LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112.

[0030] In the improved structure 200, the LH Hydraulic Arm 102 and the RH Hydraulic Arm 104 are connected to the upper ends of the LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108 respectively to create the linkage parameter ‘A’ with a dimension ‘A’; and the LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108 while connected, at their upper ends, to the LH Hydraulic Arm 102 and the RH Hydraulic Arm 104 are further connected to the LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112 respectively to create the linkage parameter ‘B’ with a dimension ‘B’. This interconnection between the LH Hydraulic Arm 102 and RH Hydraulic Arm 104 with the LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108 and the LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112 is conformed such that the dimension of the linkage parameter ‘A’ is either equal to or greater than the dimension of the linkage parameter ‘B’.

[0031] In the above interconnection, if ‘A’ = ‘B’, it must be ensured that the lift rods 106 and 108 are of equal length. Additionally, a CAT-I Cultivator should be mounted between the lower links 110 and 112 and can be kept a little raised above ground, for example, at a height of ‘H’. In this interconnection, the implement 202 main frame remains horizontal with respect to the ground when lower links 110 and 112 are in center or even when frame 202 is pushed towards extreme LH and RH ends. The Ground height ‘H’ can change marginally when measured at far ends but frame 202 remains parallel to the ground at all locations. Hence, the interconnection of the linkage components which is conforming to the relationship of the linkage parameters, i.e., ‘A’ = ‘B’ provides an improvement. [0032] Further, in the above interconnection, if ‘ A’ > ‘B’, then during a LH Turn, a lower link (110 or 112) shifts towards LH side tyre of the tractor. In this case, turning of the tractor gets easy. Also, the Z-LH (left hand) side of the Implement’s frame 202 dips down and an opposite end Z-RH (right hand) side of the Implement’s frame 202 rises up by the same value. This change allows higher depth of the implement 202 on Z-LH turning side and lower depth on Z-RH. This interconnection conforming to the relationship of the linkage parameters, i.e., ‘A’ > ‘B’, helps in easy turning of the tractor, due to absence of resistance forces. Hence, the interconnection of the linkage components which is conforming to the relationship of the linkage parameters, i.e., ‘A’ > ‘B’ also provides an improvement.

[0033] However, in the above interconnection, if ‘A’ < ‘B’, then during a LH turn, with cultivator 202 being engaged in soil, the lower links (110 and 112) shifts towards LH side tyre of the tractor. In such situation, the tractor steering gets difficult. The LH lower link 110 rises up and the RH lower link 112 dips down. The implement main frame 202 also follows the same change as the lower links 110 and 112 change, with respect to the ground height ‘H’, but far ends of the cultivator 202 has magnified effects of this change. Un-equal change in height ‘H’ leads to an increased depth of implement 202 on its Z-RH end while its Z-LH end reduces in depth by the equal value. Additionally, an extra depth of Z-RH of implement 202 resists free LH turning of the tractor and thus overload the engine due to skidding effect on front wheels towards the opposite side of turning. Hence, the interconnection of the linkage components which is conforming to the relationship of the linkage parameters, i.e., ‘A’ < ‘B’ is not recommended. [0034] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary automobile, e.g., a tractor, that may implement the improved mechanism of the standardized three-point linkage system and FIG. 4 shows a line diagram of the FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the improved structure 200 includes the interconnection of the linkage components LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108, LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112.

[0036] In the improved structure 200, the LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112 are interconnected at their rear ends with the LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108, such that the distance between the rear ends of the LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112 are conforming with the span width ,‘C’, of 683 mm (ISO standard) w.r.t. 3-point standard CAT-I width, while keeping a linkage parameter ‘D’, which is the center to center distance between the front ends of the LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112.

[0037] This interconnection between the LH lower link 110 and RH lower link 112 and the LH lift rod 106 and RH Lift Rod 108 is conformed such that the dimension of the linkage parameter ‘D’ is less than the dimension of the linkage parameter ‘C’. the relationship between ‘C’ & ‘D’ dimensions is important for smooth turning of the implement 202. Presently, the relationship mentioned in ISO standards between C & D is for Horizontal convergence guidelines only.

[0038] However, in the improved structure, the linkage parameter ‘D’ is less than the dimension of the linkage parameter ‘C’. In the above interconnection, if ‘D’ < ‘C’, then during a left turn, the implement 202 tilts horizontally (refer to FIGs. 3 and 4 that shows the change 302 in line Z-LH & Z-RH). This tilted horizontal position reduces distance

‘H2’and increases distance ‘Hl ’ between the implement frame 202 and rear tyres of the tractor (or Rear Axle axis) respectively. This change assists in making a smooth turn. Further, a shorter ‘D’ with respect to a standard span width ‘C’ assists in taking easy and shorter turn and vice versa. Hence, the interconnection of the linkage components which is conforming to the relationship of the linkage parameters, i.e., ‘D’ < ‘C’ also provides an improvement, by providing smooth turning of tractor with Implements during turns.

[0039] In an embodiment, while ‘C’ is maintained as per three -point Category, ‘D’ < ‘C’ can be maintained by maximum margin so that ‘H2’ can be smaller than ‘Hl ’ by bigger margin. This assists in easy turning, and the same effect repeats during an RH Turn.

[0040] In an embodiment, the improved structure 200 may be implemented for up-grades of current three-point mounting points on current housings, or completely new rear axle housings and provide three-point mounting points.

[0041] FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary automobile, e.g., tractor with current manufacturing specifications, and to be converted into the improved structure 200, as explained in FIGs. 2-4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the current manufacturing specification of the tractor, if ‘A’ is smaller than ‘B’, which may be the most common situation, then ‘A’ can be fixed because the Hydraulic Lift arms (102 and 104) are already made as per design. In such situation, the linkage parameter ‘B’ can be reduced to be equal to ‘A’ by decreasing ‘C’ or re-design lower links (110 and 112) as shown in the FIG. 6, by retaining ‘C’ as its ISO standard size.

[0042] Further, if in the current specifications, ‘C’ is bigger than D (refer to FIG. 6), which may be considered as normal, provided that ‘ A’= ‘B’. However, if ‘B’ is bigger than ‘A’, then the lower links should be re-designed as shown in FIG. 6, so that ‘C’ can be retained as per ISO standard. [0043] Furthermore, if ‘D’> ‘C’, then only alternative is to increase ‘C’ bigger than ‘D’ but retaining ‘B’ = ‘A’. In this case ‘C’ is not retained its ISO standard dimension. Span width, ‘C’, on implement also needs to increase by re-positioning lower links (110 and 112) connecting points.

[0044] Thus, advantageously, the improved mechanism including the improved structure as explained in the present disclosure provides an improvement in the standardized three- point linkage structure to develop a safe three -point linkage system that avoid overturning of automobiles, e.g., a tractor. The improved mechanism for linkage parameters also makes the turning radius easier and shorter for 3 -point implements. The steering of the automobiles becomes easier, and avoiding overturning of the automobiles with the improved structure.

[0045] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.

[0046] Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. [0047] Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.